Pastor's Corner

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD: After Jesus rose from the dead, he "presented himself alive" to the women near the tomb, to his disciples and to more than 500 others. In the days following his resurrection, Jesus taught his disciples about the kingdom of God. Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus and his disciples went to Mount Olivet, near Jerusalem. There, Jesus promised his followers that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit, and he instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit had come. Then Jesus blessed them, and as he gave the blessing, he began to ascend into heaven. The account of Jesus' ascension is found in the Acts of the Apostles.

It is plain from Scripture that Jesus' ascension was a literal, bodily return to heaven. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly, observed by many intent onlookers. As the disciples strained to catch a last glimpse of Jesus, a cloud hid him from their view, and two angels appeared and promised Christ's return "in just the same way that you have watched him go.”

MEMORIAL DAY: This Monday is Memorial Day. It is a day when we remember and pray for all of our veterans, both living and deceased. To those who are living, we thank you for your years of service to our country. For those who are deceased, may they rest in peace.

THE MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART: June is traditionally the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Please remember to pray daily to him so that he will pour out his great mercy on us and on the whole world.

YEAR OF CONSECRATION: As you know this year, we have been reconsecrating ourselves and our churches to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The year will close on June 24, with a Mass being celebrated at St. Mary Basilica, in Marietta. We are looking into renting a bus. Cost would be $25.00 per person for the ride down and back. If you are interested, please sign up at the church entrances this weekend so we can see how many people are interested.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS: On Spirit Day (Pentecost), June 4, we will be having donut Sunday after the 11:00am Mass (instead of the last Sunday of the month). All members of our parishes are encouraged to attend as well as those who have been through the RCIA process in the past. Let us not only sweeten our lives with donuts, but also celebrate the gift of the Spirit and our newest members who joined the church this Easter. Please come and make them feel welcome!

WINTERSVILLE CONNECT YOUTH GROUP NEWS: The Wintersville Connect Youth Group will meet on Wednesday,May 31, at 6:00pm, for the "Bless the Parents Night" where the students will dress up and serve their parents a meal here at Blessed Sacrament. Kimberly Hahn will be the keynote speaker for the evening, and a number of youth will be performing at the event. Please email your RSVP by May 28, to bobbyjonbauman@gmail.com or text/call him at 608-556-3068 so he knows how many will be attending so there will be enough food for everyone.

The Wintersville youth group will be going to Kennywood on Saturday, June 3. We will leave the church parking lot at 8:00am and return at 5:00 pm. Cost for the trip/ticket is $30.00 (not including food). Please bring food or money to purchase food/drinks for lunch. You will have to fill out and have signed parental permission forms to attend this event, which will be available Wednesday, May 31,at the youth group meeting or you can fill them out the morning we leave at 8:00am June 3.

REST IN PEACE: Please remember in your prayers the kind repose of the soul of Theodore A. Zrinyi (BLS). May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen